Five Quick Tips to Lower Energy Costs and Power Back to School Budgets

The Gilmer Mirror

Jul 30, 2013 | 835 views | 0 | 8 | |

Five Quick Tips to Lower Energy Costs and Power Back to School Budgets

It seems like summer only just started, and already the Back to School ads for clothes, bags, and supplies are hitting the airwaves. With a few easy energy savings tips, you can help power those back to school purchases with the money you save on your monthly energy bill.

Here are five quick tips to lower energy costs:

Running ceiling fans can help keep your home feeling cooler, and allow you to push up the thermostat a few degrees. Moving your thermostat up by one degree can typically save 2 to 3 percent on summer energy costs.

Use baths sparingly, and showers more often. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, A five-minute shower requires 10-25 gallons of hot water, while the average person uses 30-50 gallons of hot water in their bath. An average shower uses one fifth of the energy needed for a full bath.

Approximately 25% of heat loss or gain is through the top of your home. Using a paint-on clear coat insulating technology is fairly affordable (.38 to .50 cents per square foot), and is versatile enough to either paint the attic, ceilings or the roof. Thin film insulators also do not breed mold or moisture, and customers have saved 20%-40% on energy costs. (www.nansulate.com).

Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It typically accounts for about 18% of your utility bill. You can lower water heating bills by installing low flow faucets and shower heads, by repairing leaks, by setting the thermostat lower (120F is typically comfortable), or insulating the tank with either a blanket or insulating coating.

5. A quick and easy tip to reduce cooling costs by up to 5% is to replace your air conditioning filters once a month. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the coil in your air conditioner to freeze up, significantly increasing energy use.